Pussy Willow vs Snowball Viburnum - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Snowball Viburnum

Salix discolor

Viburnum opulus roseum

Pussy Willow
Snowball Viburnum

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Snowball Viburnum is a popular ornamental shrub with prolific flowering. This plant is prized for its round clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs, delighting children and adults. In fall, its leaves turn vibrant shades of red.

Snowball Viburnum is sought after as a single accent shrub, but can also make a dense hedge or privacy screen.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Snowball Viburnum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.29 - SAVE UP TO 21%
Lowest Price: $11.99 - SAVE UP TO 8%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3b
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low


Fall colour: purplish-red
Bark: gold to gray
Flowers: white
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: american willow
Other Names: european cranberrybush, guelder rose, snowball bush, snowball tree